Purpose Read Online Free Page A

wasn’t leaving you.”
    “Oh.” His eyes still darted about, but he seemed a bit less tense to Gar. “So what happened back there?”
    Gar shook his head. “Not here.” Definitely not here. Even though his need had been great, he’d been careless. Too many people had seen him. People who would ask questions and demand answers.
    He motioned with his head. “C’mon.”
    “Where are we going?” Despite his visible concern, Ryan started moving in the direction Gar indicated.
    “I’m going home. We can stop along the way if you like.”
    “Oh.”
     “Where are you staying, Ryan?” He already knew the answer.
    “I don’t know yet.”
    Of course he didn’t. Until thirty minutes ago, Ryan didn’t have any idea what he was going to do next. What confused Gar was what he was about to do.
    “You can stay with me if you like. I can sleep on the couch.”
    Ryan stopped walking for a brief moment. “Ex… ex… excuse me?”
    Gar turned around, pausing to stare at his companion. The eyes were called the window to the soul, but to him, they were a mask that had a thousand different faces. Gar still saw fear in Ryan’s eyes, only not as desperate. Now he could see doubt, indecision, and a hint of gratitude.
    “If you have no place to stay, you’re welcome to stay with me. You can have my bed. I don’t sleep very much.”
    Ryan stared at him, unfocused, as if lost in his own thoughts. Gar knew he was conflicted. On the one hand, he didn’t know Gar from Adam. Even though he’d been good to the kid, saved his life even, he was still a stranger. Then again, if he hadn’t done it already, Ryan had been prepared to go home with worse for the right price. Gar’s generosity ensured for a few nights at least Ryan didn’t need to make that choice.
     Suddenly, Gar felt Ryan’s fear again. Nodding at the kid, Gar let him know he understood. While Gar was better than most of the johns Ryan might encounter, none of them were capable of violence on the scale Gar had displayed moments ago. Ryan had good reason to be scared of Gar. But Ryan wouldn’t survive on the streets, and for some inexplicable reason, that bothered Gar.
    “Ryan,” he said in a voice as soft and compassionate as he could manage. “You’re right to be scared of me. I am dangerous beyond anyone you will ever meet. But I would never hurt you. I… the offer is free of conditions. Just a place to sleep and be safe.”
    “Why?” Such a simple word, but it confused them both.
    “I honestly don’t know.” He shook his head. “You’re… you remind me of someone whom I cared for beyond all others. I lost him because I ignored the signs he was in trouble. Maybe by helping you I can redeem a small part of the guilt I’ve kept inside for so long. You have no reason to trust me, none, but I promise you have nothing to fear from me.”
    “I don’t fear you.” He lied. Gar could see it despite how hard he tried to hide it. “If you wanted to hurt me, you had plenty of chances. I… I don’t know either, but I trust you completely. You’ve been nicer to me than anyone else has ever been.”
    His hand strayed to the pocket with the money Gar had given him.
    “So come with me. If you’re creeped out, you have my word, I won’t stop you from leaving.”
    Checking again, Gar noted the fear was gone. There was still hesitation, but now he thought he saw a hint of… excitement? Stupid kid, he was better off being afraid.
    “C’mon.” He motioned for them to keep walking. “It’s not too far. We can stop for food on the way.”
    “Okay.” The voice was soft but firm.
    For both their sakes, Gar hoped he wasn’t making a mistake. If he was, he was certain it would be Ryan who would suffer the consequences. And for the first time in more years than he could remember, someone else suffering bothered him.

4

     
    G AR punched in the pass code, unlocking the front door. The kid seemed uneasy.
    “You live here?” Ryan’s wide eyes matched his